TEDxDereeACG is an indipendently organised TEDx event, brought to you by a dedicated team of students. TEDxDeree ACG constitutes a non-profit organization, with it's first event taking place in 2021. Today, we celebrate the 3rd year of TEDxDereeACG and wish to many more to come.

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Take a look at the previous TEDxDereeACG events! An insight to the theme of the past events, talks, speakers and more!

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TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.

In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

TEDxDereeACG is an independently organized TED event hosted by Deree – The American College of Greece, providing a platform for students, graduates, alumni and thought leaders to share ideas worth spreading. Rooted in TED’s core values of curiosity, inclusivity, and the power of storytelling, TEDxDereeACG empowers students to spark meaningful conversations and inspire change within and beyond their community. The event aligns with Deree’s values of academic excellence, social responsibility, and global citizenship, encouraging students to think critically, challenge perspectives, and promote positive impact. Through TEDxDereeACG, students become ambassadors of both TED’s mission and their school’s commitment to lifelong learning and innovation.

THE THOUGHT BEHIND "RULES"

THE THOUGHT BEHIND "THE POWER OF UNLEARNING"

We are born into a world brimming with assumptions, patterns, and rules—many of which remain unchallenged. But what if everything you’ve been taught isn’t the complete truth?UNLEARN challenges us to shed outdated beliefs, preconceived notions, and societal norms that restrict our full potential. It’s about the courage to let go, the curiosity to question, and the audacity to rebuild.In this era of rapid change, innovation isn’t about accumulating more knowledge, but it’s about unlearn the old to create space for the new. It’s about unlocking novel ways of thinking, acting, and being.UNLEARN is a call to action for students, creatives, thinkers, and dreamers to disrupt the status quo, shatter limitations, and redefine what’s possible when we break free from the constraints of what we’ve been taught.At TEDxDereeACG, we invite you to embark on this transformative journey of unlearning. Together, let’s dismantle, deconstruct, and redefine everything from success and identity to education and innovation, and beyond.Only by unlearning can we begin to construct a future that is more authentic, daring, and inclusive

Policy analyst, NDC

Dr. Tzagkarakis is a trailblazing political scientist with a Ph.D. from the University of Crete, where his award-winning thesis tackled Greece’s welfare state during the 2009-2015 crisis. With 60+ publications, 50+ international conferences, and key roles in European projects like EPAS and MOTIVATE, he’s a leading voice in social policy, migration, health, and sustainability.In his TEDx talk, Dr. Tzagkarakis dives into “unlearning” outdated public policy models that fuel bureaucracy and distrust. Drawing on global examples—like Sweden’s transparency, Denmark’s digital services, and Canada’s active employment policies—he champions trust, innovation, and citizen empowerment to transform the state into a dynamic force.

Chronograph and Writer

Rea studied Art History and has dedicated her life to the art of the chronicle. She began in 4 Troxoi magazine in 1992 as the only woman in the “Antilogos” section, later worked with Tachydromos and Eikones, and is a founding member of Protagon.gr, where she still writes today. Author of four books and creator of the TV project KERAIA on Ertnews and Ertflix, she continues to weave stories that challenge and inspire.What if the greatest wisdom doesn’t come from learning more, but from unlearning what no longer serves us?In her TEDx talk, Rea takes us on a journey through history, society, and the deeply personal spaces of our lives and careers to reveal how unlearning has always been a quiet force shaping progress. From challenging outdated traditions to reshaping professional mindsets, she shows us how letting go of old beliefs can open the door to new possibilities.

Founder & CEO of Life Clinic Group, Master Coach, Speaker, and Author

Nancy is a passionate advocate for improving quality of life through Self-Leadership and Inner-Centricity. A prominent figure in media with her YouTube show It Gets Bettersurpassing 8 million views, she is also a sought-after speaker at international conferences, collaborating with Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, startups, and thought leaders worldwide. As an ambassador for Women Act and former President of the International Coach Federation (Greek chapter), she brings years of expertise in coaching and leadership, alongside her academic contributions as a PhD holder in Collaborative Strategies and former faculty at Panteion University.Her TEDx talk, invites us to rethink the way we define self-focus. By shifting from narcissism to esocentrism—a model of growth rooted in self-awareness, balance, and inner leadership—Nancy explores how we can unlearn destructive patterns, build healthier relationships, and foster a happier, more connected world.

Journalist & Television Presenter

Evlambia has worked since 2010 as a reporter across print, digital, and broadcast media, specializing in police reporting, which she covered for over a decade. She is also the creator of several podcast series and co-owner of the website imethexis.gr. She studied Journalism at the University of Athens, where she also earned a Master’s degree in Journalism and New Media. Currently she is in her third year of Psychology studies at the European University of Cyprus.Driven by a passion for storytelling and social insight, Evlambia continues to explore the evolving landscape of media with a focus on human-centered narratives.In her talk, she will take us behind the cameras to explore journalism in Greece through the eyes of a presenter. She sheds light on the challenges journalists face, from bias and pressure to the fragile balance of truth and perception. Most importantly, she reveals how journalism often differs from the “reality” we think we know - inviting us to question, reflect, and unlearn what news truly means. On global examples—like Sweden’s transparency, Denmark’s digital services, and Canada’s active employment policies—he champions trust, innovation, and citizen empowerment to transform the state into a dynamic force.

Tech Entrepreneur, Data Analyst, and Co-Founder of Asappien

Stamatis is a data analyst by profession and an entrepreneur by passion. With a Master’s degree in Data Science (with Distinction), a role at Aegean Airlines, membership in Mensa, and his work as a Data Science Instructor at Big Blue Academy, his career reflects excellence in both tech and teaching. But beyond numbers and algorithms, his true mission is human connection.As co-founder of Asappien, a social activity app designed to bring people together offline, Stamatis is tackling one of today’s greatest paradoxes: how can we feel so lonely in an age of hyper-connectivity?In his TEDx talk, Stamatis takes us on a journey through personal stories, research, and global conversations to explore this question. He challenges the conventional life “checklist”, to study hard, get a job, fall in love, be happy, and instead asks us to rethink what connection really means. Highlighting the rise of AI companion apps (used by over 28 million people for emotional support), he calls us to unlearn superficial digital interactions and rebuild deeper, authentic relationships that combat the loneliness epidemic of our times.

CEO & Strategic Planner at White Canvas Athens, Deree Alumna

Elpida is a powerhouse of strategic insight and social impact. With a background in Sociology and Communications topped with an MA in Project Management, she crafts communication strategies that help brands connect deeply and authentically. As a female entrepreneur with extensive experience in CSR Activations, Qualitative Research, and Consumer Analysis she advocates for gender equality and inclusive representation, and she’s committed to reshaping narratives across all social settings.Her TEDx talk is a deeply personal journey of loss, resilience, and self-discovery. After losing both parents by the age of 21, Elpida found herself navigating life without a map. Through therapy and reflection, she began to unlearn the beliefs that held her back—and chose to rebuild her life around honesty, patience, and asking for help. Her story is a powerful reminder: we can rewrite the scripts we were given and redefine ourselves at any time.

Assistant Professor of Psychology ACG

Founder of Blue Brain Publishing

THE THOUGHT BEHIND "THE AGE OF THE UNDERDOGS"

The Age of the Underdogs, the theme of the TEDxDereeACG event, relates to all of those that manage to fail forward, to turn the no mode into the on mode, and to go beyond the expected to find a path toward a desired goal, dream, or wider aspiration.Underdogs can be the driving force of change as they can be resourceful, project a fresh take on matters, and contribute to revolutionary ideas in various areas. No matter the outcome, they do not fall in the realm of the mainstream; they are out-of-the-box thinkers, always true to their moral compass.